{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"394. America\u2019s Skilled Trades Are Facing a Workforce Cliff \u2014 Brian Huff Explains Why","description":"In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with Brian Huff, founder and CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College. Brian shares his perspective on the growing skilled labor crisis, why the U.S. is facing a massive workforce shortage, and how removing shop class and technical education from K\u201312 schools created the situation we\u2019re in today. The conversation covers workforce demographics, infrastructure demand, energy production, AI-driven growth, and why construction and skilled trades remain recession-resistant careers with lifetime opportunity. Brian also explains how trade schools can rebuild the pipeline and why this problem must be treated as a national priority \u2014 not just an industry issue. This is a big-picture discussion about the future of skilled labor, education reform, and why the trades matter more now than ever. &amp;nbsp;   \ud83d\udd25  Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors   The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community.  Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent.   \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f  Arc Junkies Podcast    Website:  https:\/\/arcjunkies.com   Instagram:  @ArcJunkiesPodcast   YouTube:  https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@arcjunkiespodcast9253   Email:  show@arcjunkies.com   LinkedIn (Jason Becker):  https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jason-becker-45407b72    \ud83e\udde2  Arc Junkies Merch:https:\/\/shop.threadmob.com\/arcjunkie\/shop\/home     \ud83c\udfed  Underground Metal Works   Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals    Website:  https:\/\/www.underground-metalworks.com      \ud83e\udd1d  Friends of the Show &amp;amp; Sponsors     \ud83e\uddf0  BattlBox   Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly    Website: https:\/\/alnk.to\/90Chh6D   Instagram:  @BattlBox   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Save up to 30% off your first BattlBox      \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f  American Welding Society \u2014 Conferences   Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership   AWS Inspection Expo &amp;amp; Conference    Event Info:   https:\/\/www.aws.org\/community-and-events\/conferences-and-events\/inspection-expo-and-conference\/   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Free gift at the event      \ud83e\udde4  Outlaw Leather LLC   Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last    Website:  https:\/\/outlawleather.com   Instagram:  @outlawleatherusa   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  15% off all in-stock leather goods      \u26a1  Everlast Welders   High-performance welding machines without the high price tag    Website:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/37xJstI   Instagram:  @everlastwelders   YouTube:  Everlast Welders   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Free Nova Foot Pedal + TIG Torch with qualifying machine purchases      \ud83c\udfa7  ISOtunes   Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication    Website:  https:\/\/shop.isotunes.com\/arcjunkies10   Instagram:  @isotunesaudio   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES10   Offer:  Save $10 on your purchase  &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Arc Junkies","author_url":"https:\/\/arcjunkies.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39874285\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/39874285"}